(Have photos to go with this story? Email pics to Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com and dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and also list the photo credit as well.)
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews
BY KENNEDY BROADWELL
PMG-MSN CORRESPONDENT
Soccer – or football as it’s known globally – is one of the most popular sports today, but its origins are anything but clear.
While no one can pinpoint an exact date for its creation, we can trace early versions of the game back over 3,000 years.
In ancient China, around 3000 B.C., soldiers played Cuju, a game where they kicked a leather ball through a hole in a net as part of their training. Meanwhile, the Greeks engaged in Episkyros, a lively mix of soccer and rugby, where even tackling was fair game.
Fast forward to medieval Europe, where chaos reigned in folk football matches. These free-for-alls could involve hundreds of players and often led to disputes, prompting local authorities to impose bans on the sport.
The real transformation happened in the 19th century in England. Tired of the mayhem, the Football Association (FA) formed in 1863, establishing the first Laws of the Game. This marked the beginning of modern soccer, paving the way for organized play.
As the British Empire expanded, soccer spread worldwide, each country adding its own flair. By 1904, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) was formed, leading to the inaugural World Cup in 1930.
(Kennedy Broadwell is a freelance contributor to the Premier Media Group, Michigan Soccer Network and the National Soccer Network. She has worked in the Michigan, Ohio and Montana media circles for nearly a decade, serving as a TV personality, on-air host, in-game host, arena-host, freelance producer, color commentator, and freelance writer for various media outlets, TV stations and arena facilities. Broadwell, a multimedia journalist, can be reached at kennedybroadwell@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter/X @BroadwellK. For inquiries or to submit tidbits to the ‘Did You Know’ column, email Kennedy Broadwell at the above-listed email or contact PMG-MSN-NSN Web and Content Editor Dan Stickradt at dstickradt@thepremeirmediagrp.com or stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com.)
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(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
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DID YOU KNOW? LINKS:
DID YOU KNOW: There was once a ‘Football War’: https://wix.to/Puy5jbp
DID YOU KNOW: Why Do Americans Call It "Soccer" Instead of "Football"?: https://wix.to/WxnRIRC
DID YOU KNOW: Soccer Is the Most Popular Sport in the World?
DID YOU KNOW: Soccer’s origins include wild medieval matches with no rules:
DID YOU KNOW: Some still can’t tell what offside really is out on the field:
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Contact both Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner at 248-525-2083 or jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com and Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at (248) 525-2349 and dstickradt@thepremeiermediagrp.com.
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